September 2016 Oaklands Diuris, Diuris callitrophila Diuris callitrophila growing with native daisies (Matt Diuris callitrophila (Matt Cameron ) Cameron) Description Distribution The Oaklands Diuris ( Diuris callitrophila ) is classified The species is currently believed to be restricted to as Endangered in NSW. Fewer than 1000 plants are three sites between Oaklands and Urana in southern believed to exist in the wild. NSW. Three other small populations in that area have The species has the following characteristics: gone extinct in recent times. • White, mauve or purple flowers with some darker Habitat & Ecology markings The Oaklands Diuris occurs in grassy woodlands, and • Flowers that look like the ‘donkey’ ears that are particularly those dominated by White Cypress Pine characteristic of the genus, and two long, green, (Callitris glaucophylla ). narrow hanging sepals up to 120 mm long • Up to 9 flowers per stem; the stem is stout, green and up to 50 cm tall • Typically, two narrow, green, folded basal leaves up to 35 cm long www.lls.nsw.gov.au/murray Oaklands Diuris More information To report a possible sighting of the orchid, contact: Office of Environment and Heritage Environment Line t: 131 555 | f: 02 9995 5999 e: [email protected] For more information on the Wild Orchids Project: Rhiannon Caynes, Murray Local Land Services t: 02 6051 2232 | f: 02 6051 2222 e: [email protected] w: www.//murray.lls.nsw.gov.au/our-region/programs-and- projects/orchid-recovery-project Diuris callitrophila habitat ; grassy White Cypress Pine woodland (Matt Cameron) Oaklands Diuris life cycle: The Wild Orchids Project is a Saving our Species partnership • Leaves produced during autumn between Murray Local Land Services, the Office of Environment and Heritage, Forestry Corporation of NSW, NSW National Parks • Flowers in November, although flowering may and Wildlife Service, Department of Primary Industries - Lands, Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne, Australian Network for Plant not occur every year Conservation, and private landholders. • Pollination is believed to occur via floral The NSW Government’s Environmental Trust is a key financial contributor to the Wild Orchids Project. deception, with native bees attracted to the flowers because of their superficial Information sources and further reading Bishop, T. (2000) Field Guide to the Orchids of New South Wales and resemblance to other nearby plants that Victoria. (New South Wales University Press, Sydney). provide nectar and pollen Coates, F., Jeanes, J., and Pritchard, A. (2003). Recovery Plan for 25 Threatened Orchid Taxa of Victoria, South Australia and New South Wales, 2003-2007. Department of the Environment and Heritage, Canberra, ACT. • If pollination is successful, seed pods form Murray Catchment Management Authority and Office of Environment and and the seed is shed by late December Heritage (2012) New South Wales Murray Biodiversity Management Plan. Murray CMA, Albury. • The plant spends the hot summer Porteners, M. and Robertson, G. (2003) Threatened Plants in Western New South Wales: Information Review. (NSW NPWS, Hurstville). underground as a dormant tuber © State of New South Wales through Local Land Services 2016. Threats The information contained in this publication is based on knowledge and understanding at the time of writing September 2016. However, The population is threatened by: because of advances in knowledge, users are reminded of the need to ensure that the information upon which they rely is up to date and • Its small population size to check the currency of the information with the appropriate officer • of Local Land Services or the user’s independent adviser. Its highly restricted distribution For updates visit: www.lls.nsw.gov.au • Competition with invasive grasses and herbaceous weeds • Competition with native plant species (e.g., White Cypress Pine) • Browsing by rabbits and kangaroos • Inappropriate fire and grazing regimes Local Land Services, September, 2016 2.